The Health Care Reform Passage is an "Ugly Victory" But It Is Still An Historical One

For many of us whose politics run to liberal or progressive, the health reform bill is a disappointment since we all knew it could be much better. However, we have debated the right that all Americans have to good health care for more than 5 decades. This is the first time anyone has done anything meaningful about it. We should feel proud of what we have managed to do and take new resolution to improve upon it. I agree with Erza Klein's Washington Post article on the significance of this victory in Congress.

It's been a long time since the legislative system did anything this big, and people have forgotten how awful the victories are. But these are the victories, and if they feel bad to many, they will do good for more. As that comes clearer and clearer, this bill will come to feel more and more like the historic advance it actually is.

Erza Klein,"Winning Ugly But Winning"

Same Old GOP Scare Tactics

Americans Seek Afforable Health Care in Other Countries

Dying for Lack of Dollars?

I wrote the following letter to editors of The Oklahoman in response to a "Your Views" letter published in the May 17th edition.

Dear Editor:

Rick Olsen claims that the US “already has the best health care in the world” evidenced by the fact that foreigners come here for their health needs. Some do, mostly the wealthy seeking elective procedures and other medicine most Americans cannot afford.

But many American go to other countries for their health care. Many seniors go to Canada and Mexico for less expensive prescriptions. Americans have also found it more affordable to go to India for their surgeries.

And if our health care is the “best,” then why are our infant mortality rates among the highest and our life expectancy one of the lowest in the industrialized world?